Having lived in the United States I understand the complications and confusion involved in tipping. The simple solution to this is to ask an American. However I almost guarantee that you wont get a straight answer. It's something that doesn't really get talked about in the U.S, it just happens. The reason it does happen is because the minium wage in most areas of the United States in around $8 per hour. Tipping therefore increase the salary.

It is difficult to know how much to tip and when. Here is an easy guide to follow:

Taxi ride- generally 10-20% of the total bill.

Porter in a hotel- generally $1 per bag

Restaurants - 15-20%

Tipping in a restaurant

This can be a tricky one as some restaurant add the tip automatically to the final bill. However when you receive the bill this amount will be displayed. Generally the tip will be at your discretion. As a guide the norm is 15-20% of the bill. If you received poor service then tip at the lower end of the scale or not at all if you feel the service was terrible. Rather than just walking out without paying a tip ask to speak with the manager and explain why you wont be leaving a tip. on the other end of the scale if you thought the service was excellent then leave 20% or more if you feel its deserved.

*TIP* For those of you who are mathamaticly challenged most U.S states change an 8% sales tax. This will come up separately on your bill. Simply double it and there is your tip.

Instances where you don't have to provide a tip

*At fast food restaurants where there is no table service

*grocery stores or when you buy something over the counter

The $1 bill still exist in the united states and for good reason. when tipping these bills come in handy. Make sure you have a pocketful. If you don't, rather than not give a tip ask the person you are tipping if they can provide you with change. most will happily oblige.

*TIP* Always check what note you hand over first. the currency in the united states is all the one colour. So a $1 bill looks very similar to $100 bill.